Question 1

How do I know if I qualify for the IRS Fresh Start Program?

Accepted Answer

You typically qualify if you owe $50,000 or less in tax debt and can demonstrate financial hardship or an inability to pay the full amount. The IRS looks at your income, expenses, and assets to determine what you can reasonably afford to pay.You must be current on all tax filings, even if you can't pay what you owe. If you have unfiled returns, we help you get those filed first. The IRS also considers your payment history—if you've been trying to stay compliant but hit financial difficulties, you're more likely to qualify for relief.For Pleasant Mount residents, we often see qualification based on job loss, medical expenses, divorce, or business downturns. The key is proving that paying your full tax debt would cause genuine financial hardship, and we know exactly how to document and present your case to get the best possible outcome.

Question 2

Can the Fresh Start Program really reduce my tax debt by 90%?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it depends on your specific financial situation. An offer in compromise can significantly reduce what you owe, sometimes by 90% or more, if you truly cannot pay the full amount and are unlikely to be able to pay it in the future.The IRS uses a formula that considers your monthly income, necessary expenses, and asset values. If this calculation shows you cannot pay your full tax debt before the collection statute expires, they may accept a much lower amount. However, the offer must represent the most they can reasonably expect to collect from you.Not everyone qualifies for such dramatic reductions. Some people are better served by installment agreements or penalty abatement. That's why the free consultation is so important—we analyze your specific situation and tell you honestly what kind of reduction you can expect, not what you want to hear.

Question 3

How long does the Fresh Start Program process take?

Accepted Answer

Most cases are resolved within 6 to 18 months, depending on which option works best for your situation. Simple installment agreements can often be set up within 30-60 days, while offers in compromise typically take 6-12 months because they require more documentation and review.The timeline also depends on how quickly you provide the necessary financial documents and how complex your tax situation is. Pleasant Mount residents with straightforward cases often see faster resolutions than those with multiple tax years or business complications.What's important to understand is that collection actions typically stop once we file the appropriate paperwork with the IRS. So even though the final resolution might take several months, you get relief from collection pressure almost immediately. We keep you updated throughout the process and handle all communication with the IRS so you don't have to worry about what's happening.

Question 4

What happens if the IRS rejects my Fresh Start application?

Accepted Answer

Rejection isn't the end of the road—it's often just the beginning of negotiations. The IRS frequently rejects initial applications, especially offers in compromise, but this doesn't mean you're out of options. We can appeal the decision, provide additional documentation, or modify the proposal based on their feedback.Sometimes rejection happens because the IRS needs more information or disagrees with how we've calculated your ability to pay. We can address these concerns and resubmit a stronger application. Other times, we might need to pursue a different type of relief that better fits your situation.The key is having experienced representation that knows how to respond to IRS rejections. We've handled thousands of these cases and know exactly what the IRS is looking for. Most importantly, we don't give up after the first "no"—we keep fighting until we find a solution that works for both you and the IRS.

Question 5

Will the Fresh Start Program affect my credit score?

Accepted Answer

The program itself doesn't directly impact your credit score, but the underlying tax debt might already be affecting it. If the IRS has filed a tax lien against you, that's already showing up on your credit report and hurting your score.The good news is that resolving your tax debt through the Fresh Start Program can actually improve your credit over time. Once you're in an approved payment plan or have settled your debt through an offer in compromise, you're no longer at risk of additional liens or levies.If we can get your balance below $25,000 through payments or settlements, you may qualify for lien withdrawal, which removes the lien from your credit report entirely. This can provide an immediate boost to your credit score. Even without lien withdrawal, having a resolved tax debt looks much better to lenders than having ongoing IRS problems.

Question 6

How much does it cost to get help with the Fresh Start Program?

Accepted Answer

We start with a completely free consultation where we analyze your situation and explain your options. There's no obligation and no pressure—just honest answers about what we can do for you and what it will cost.Our fees depend on the complexity of your case and which type of relief you need. Simple installment agreements cost less than complex offers in compromise that require extensive financial documentation and negotiations. We're upfront about all costs before you decide to move forward.What's important to remember is that the cost of professional help is usually far less than what you'll save through proper representation. We often save clients thousands of dollars in penalties and interest, not to mention the value of stopping collection actions and getting your life back on track. We also accept Mastercard and Visa with a 4% convenience fee, making it easier to get the help you need right away.

IRS Fresh Start Program Pleasant Mount, PA